The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has asked the Indian government to urgently evacuate hundreds of Kashmiri students stuck in Iran. The request comes after Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites on Friday.
In a letter to External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, the JKSA said it was extremely concerned about the worsening security situation in Iran. “The situation has now become very dangerous, and students from Jammu and Kashmir feel scared and unsafe,” the letter said.
Time-lapse visuals of Middle East air traffic show a rapid evacuation of civilian airspace following the launch of Israel's military operation against Iran. pic.twitter.com/zT4vUeKp1b
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Many Indian students, mostly from Kashmir, had travelled to Iran to study, especially for MBBS degrees, as education there is more affordable. But now they are caught in a conflict zone and fear for their safety.
Nasir Khuehami, the National Convenor of the JKSA, said some students are studying at universities located near military bases and sensitive areas, putting them at greater risk. Students have reported hearing airstrike sirens, feeling tremors, and seeing more military activity around them. Some are even living in cities that have already been hit.
Khuehami said the students feel helpless, and their families back in Kashmir are extremely anxious. Although the students have tried to contact the Indian Embassy in Tehran, they say they have received little help or clear information.
“Many students told us they are very scared. Their parents are crying and pleading for their safe return. Every minute without news is unbearable for them,” Khuehami said.
The JKSA has asked the ministry to act quickly. It wants the Indian Embassy in Tehran to open direct communication with the students and share regular safety updates and emergency guidelines.
The association also said the government should be ready with a proper evacuation plan. If the conflict worsens or critical infrastructure is hit, a quick evacuation could save lives.
Calling the situation a “humanitarian emergency,” the JKSA warned that any delay could endanger lives and cause more pain to families.
“These students are our responsibility. Their safety must be treated as a national priority,” Khuehami said.
